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FL-410Mandatory

Order to Show Cause and Affidavit for Contempt

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2015

This form asks a judge to hold another parent in contempt of court if they believe the other parent broke a judge's orders. It requires filling out an affidavit to explain the alleged violations.

The court describes it as: Ask the judge to punish the other parent for violating the judge's orders.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Judgment

Stage: Judgment

This form is used when one party believes the other parent has willfully disobeyed court orders, such as those related to custody or support.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What is this form for?
This form is used to ask the judge to punish someone for breaking court orders. This process is described as being criminal in nature.
Do I need an attorney?
The form notes that you are entitled to an attorney, and if you cannot afford one, the court might appoint one for you.
What do I need to attach?
Depending on what was violated, you may need to attach an Affidavit of Facts Constituting Contempt, which could be form FL-411 or FL-412.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2015.

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